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Three Fed interest-rate cuts this year? Yes, top banking economists say.

Top economists at big U.S. banks predict the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates three times this year — with the first reduction in June — even though inflation is unlikely to slow much further in 2024.

Bank of America downgraded after hot stock run, while U.S. Bancorp and PNC get boost

New analysis from HSBC says that Bank of America’s stock is reaching its target price — but there are still buying opportunities in other banking sectors.

Disney steels for April 3 shareholder showdown with activist investors

Rest assured, Walt Disney Co.’s annual shareholders meeting next week will not be the happiest place on earth.

Mortgage rates fall, providing some relief to home buyers

The U.S. 30-year mortgage rate is averaging at 6.79% Freddie Mac said in its latest weekly survey on Thursday.

Inflation is taking a bite out of retirement savings — but there might be hope in sight

Persistent inflation has eroded Americans’ ability to prepare for their financial futures by causing them to reduce savings, take on debt and withdraw from retirement accounts.

Intel files lawsuit to overturn European patent that threatens to block its exports to Germany

R2 Semiconductor — which is majority owned by Daniel Loeb’s hedge fund Third Point — claims Intel has been using its proprietary technology

Troubled EV maker Fisker to cut some car prices by more than 30% to boost demand

Fisker Inc.’s stock got a slight reprieve Thursday after the troubled electric-vehicle maker announced large price cuts in an attempt to boost demand for its cars.

Consumer sentiment climbs to 2 1/2-year high as inflation eases

Consumer sentiment index rises to 79.4 in March

GameStop makes layoffs as video game retailer looks for profitability boost

GameStop Corp. has been cutting jobs, the video game retailer and original meme stock said this week.

Jamie Dimon sells $32 million in JPMorgan Chase stock as shares vest

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Jamie Dimon has sold another batch of stock about a month after he raised $150 million through an earlier insider transaction.

Chicago business-activity index weakens for fourth straight month in March

The Chicago Business Barometer, also known as the Chicago PMI, weakened further in March, dropping to 41.4 from 44 in the prior month. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal forecast a 45 reading.

Pending home sales inch up in February. Realtors are worried about U.S. home prices rising faster than incomes.

U.S. pending home sales rose 1.6% in February, the National Association of Realtors said on Thursday.
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